THE owner of two horses says he has been left angered after his animals were taken away.

Shane Smith’s horses were left grazing on council- owned grassland along Wainwright Road in Warndon Villages, Worcester, but have been impounded by the city council. Mr Smith says he received no warning, adding he has no idea where they are.

“I’m not very happy about it,” said the 23-year-old.

“They would not tell me where they were going to be taken. I said ‘you’re not taking my horses’. One of them is in foal and it’s not long until she has her baby.”

Worcester City Council said it acted following a number of calls from concerned members of the public, although the owner of a local horse rescue centre has told your Worcester News that the horses seemed well cared for.

It is understood Mr Smith did not have permissionto graze his animals on the land.

The city council declined to say if it had sought advice from a vet or animal welfare before seizing the animals.

Mr Smith, who lives in Offerton Lane, Worcester, says police officers were present when the animals were taken.

“I was going to move them to a stable the next morning anyway,” he said.

“But then a mate told me they were about to be taken so I went up there. I was very upset.”

He said his horses, one aged two-and-a-half, the other aged two, were well looked after, and added “there is nothing wrong with them”.

Sue Penny, of Penny Ha’Penny Horse and Pony Rescue, based near Malvern, said she was aware the animals had been taken.

“The horses were not suffering,” she said.

“He (Mr Smith) was feeding and watering them.”

Worcester City Council confirmed to your Worcester News that it authorised an external company, Equine and Land Management, to remove the animals under the Animals Act 1971.

“There was a lot of concern from the public about the horses,” said a council spokesman.

She said this included welfare worries and fearsthe horses may stray into the road.

Previous notices had been served on the horses when they were tethered in different locations around Warndon Villages.

The spokesman said the horses had been in Wainwright Road for some time.

“There was a notice left there (the spot from where they were moved) with a phone number so it was not as though the horses just disappeared,” said the spokesman.

Comments (32)

NOT BEFORE TIME!!! Now lets see all the others around the countryside are moved! One does wonder if,as this "owner" states,the one is due to foal..... would she have been left to do so on the roadside?

NOT BEFORE TIME!!! Now lets see all the others around the countryside are moved! One does wonder if,as this "owner" states,the one is due to foal..... would she have been left to do so on the roadside?nevermindeh

Strange how Mr Smith was going to stable them the next day following the horses being removed by the council. They should have been living in fields with stabling a long time ago. I hope they have gone somewhere where they will be well cared for. One of them was constantly loose around the busy road and it is sheer luck that there hadn't been an accident. They may have been fed and watered (although I was always seeing the water carrier tipped over and empty) But they were tethered which should never happen. A genuine horse lover would never tether their horses all day, every day. I hope this is the last Mr Smith ever sees of these horses. And Malvern Horse Rescue should be ashamed of themselves.

Strange how Mr Smith was going to stable them the next day following the horses being removed by the council. They should have been living in fields with stabling a long time ago. I hope they have gone somewhere where they will be well cared for. One of them was constantly loose around the busy road and it is sheer luck that there hadn't been an accident. They may have been fed and watered (although I was always seeing the water carrier tipped over and empty) But they were tethered which should never happen. A genuine horse lover would never tether their horses all day, every day. I hope this is the last Mr Smith ever sees of these horses. And Malvern Horse Rescue should be ashamed of themselves.goodygoody

voledog wrote:
It's a good job we've always got council bureaucracy to fall back on if ever anyone dares to behave in a way that's not deemed to be sufficiently middle class.

What a ridiculous comment to make!

[quote][p][bold]voledog[/bold] wrote:
It's a good job we've always got council bureaucracy to fall back on if ever anyone dares to behave in a way that's not deemed to be sufficiently middle class.[/p][/quote]What a ridiculous comment to make!nevermindeh

voledog wrote:
It's a good job we've always got council bureaucracy to fall back on if ever anyone dares to behave in a way that's not deemed to be sufficiently middle class.

What a ridiculous comment to make!

[quote][p][bold]voledog[/bold] wrote:
It's a good job we've always got council bureaucracy to fall back on if ever anyone dares to behave in a way that's not deemed to be sufficiently middle class.[/p][/quote]What a ridiculous comment to make!nevermindeh

Good for the Council. I would hope Ms Penny knows what she's talking about but to the casual observer these horses looked in a pitiful state - dirty and neglected. It's a shame the owner didn't do something for them before and his response that they were going to a stable the very day after the Council acted is simply too much of a coincidence to be credible.

Good for the Council. I would hope Ms Penny knows what she's talking about but to the casual observer these horses looked in a pitiful state - dirty and neglected. It's a shame the owner didn't do something for them before and his response that they were going to a stable the very day after the Council acted is simply too much of a coincidence to be credible.reflector

At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr "Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)

Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.

Rot in hell SMITH

At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr "Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)
Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.
Rot in hell SMITHNortynorse

Nortynorse wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr &quot;Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)

Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.

Rot in hell SMITH

I'd be inclined to think "Mr" Smith is a member of the Smith family who dwell at the permanent "traveller" site alongside the canal at Warndon.....not far from Wainwright Road. If this is the case WHY are they allowed to keep horses in the first place as there are no facilities there for such animals. Also their dogs could do with better care and control.........not the best place to walk ones dog on a nice afternoon,good chance of your pet being attacked by loose dogs!

[quote][p][bold]Nortynorse[/bold] wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr "Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)
Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.
Rot in hell SMITH[/p][/quote]I'd be inclined to think "Mr" Smith is a member of the Smith family who dwell at the permanent "traveller" site alongside the canal at Warndon.....not far from Wainwright Road. If this is the case WHY are they allowed to keep horses in the first place as there are no facilities there for such animals. Also their dogs could do with better care and control.........not the best place to walk ones dog on a nice afternoon,good chance of your pet being attacked by loose dogs!nevermindeh

I agree with Nortynorse, why the hell are these people allowed to do what they want, when they want regardless of the laws. I personally went to the nearby Tescos and purchased some treats for those very horses back earlier this year, I felt so sorry for them. By the way Mr smith, I got absoloutely drenched in the short space of time it took me to open the bags and distribute the food, so it one can imagine the weather at the time. You need to be dragged out into the elements and spend a while tethered to a stake near a busy road and see how you feel. People like you disgust me.....I feel totally sick to the stomach to think you're a member of the human race.

I agree with Nortynorse, why the hell are these people allowed to do what they want, when they want regardless of the laws. I personally went to the nearby Tescos and purchased some treats for those very horses back earlier this year, I felt so sorry for them. By the way Mr smith, I got absoloutely drenched in the short space of time it took me to open the bags and distribute the food, so it one can imagine the weather at the time. You need to be dragged out into the elements and spend a while tethered to a stake near a busy road and see how you feel. People like you disgust me.....I feel totally sick to the stomach to think you're a member of the human race.Equaliser uk

Nortynorse wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr &quot;Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)

Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.

Rot in hell SMITH

Well written, just what we all think.

[quote][p][bold]Nortynorse[/bold] wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr "Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)
Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.
Rot in hell SMITH[/p][/quote]Well written, just what we all think.Equaliser uk

The horses did seem to do a brilliant job in keeping the grass down and I'm sure their manure will help wildlife longer term.

Perhaps the County and their new contractor should be considering the use of tethered grazing animals as a new and lower cost way of maintaining our verges.

Either that or Shane Smith could get a formal contract for doing it for them!

About time.
However.
The horses did seem to do a brilliant job in keeping the grass down and I'm sure their manure will help wildlife longer term.
Perhaps the County and their new contractor should be considering the use of tethered grazing animals as a new and lower cost way of maintaining our verges.
Either that or Shane Smith could get a formal contract for doing it for them!3thinker

Nortynorse wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr &quot;Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)

Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.

Rot in hell SMITH

What a disgusting person you are making that comment

[quote][p][bold]Nortynorse[/bold] wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr "Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)
Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.
Rot in hell SMITH[/p][/quote]What a disgusting person you are making that commentkidderlord

Nortynorse wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr &quot;Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)

Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.

Rot in hell SMITH

What a disgusting person you are making that comment that you wish a human being Rot in Hell

[quote][p][bold]Nortynorse[/bold] wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr "Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)
Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.
Rot in hell SMITH[/p][/quote]What a disgusting person you are making that comment that you wish a human being Rot in Hellkidderlord

Nortynorse wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr &quot;Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)

Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.

Rot in hell SMITH

What a disgusting person you are making that comment that you wish a human being Rot in Hell

That is a bit harsh of a comment no need for that

[quote][p][bold]kidderlord[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nortynorse[/bold] wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr "Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)
Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.
Rot in hell SMITH[/p][/quote]What a disgusting person you are making that comment that you wish a human being Rot in Hell[/p][/quote]That is a bit harsh of a comment no need for thatcitykid

These scum should be driven into the sea, persecution is too week a word for the way these "POND LIFE" live.

I am only writing what the PC squad cannot or will not say in public.

You think it's ok the way they live and treat their animals then that's fine.

THEY ARE STILL THIEVING SCUM end of!!!!!!

Kidderlord,
These scum should be driven into the sea, persecution is too week a word for the way these "POND LIFE" live.
I am only writing what the PC squad cannot or will not say in public.
You think it's ok the way they live and treat their animals then that's fine.
THEY ARE STILL THIEVING SCUM end of!!!!!!Nortynorse

Our horses are a bit muddy at the moment so we are hoping that they arent taken away by the council! Went past some horses in a posh looking yard near Leigh Sinton still in winter rugs...bet they dont get commented on..there is a class element to the actions of the council and some of those others involved

Our horses are a bit muddy at the moment so we are hoping that they arent taken away by the council! Went past some horses in a posh looking yard near Leigh Sinton still in winter rugs...bet they dont get commented on..there is a class element to the actions of the council and some of those others involvedpudniw_gib

That's a silly comment to make. Your horses are not tethered to a dangerous muddy verge on the side of a very busy road In all weathers, there is a difference. Please don't try and justify what Sean Smith has done, as far as I ,and it seems a lot of other contributors to this article are concerned, he should suffer the same treatment. They all should be banned from keeping animals of any description.

That's a silly comment to make. Your horses are not tethered to a dangerous muddy verge on the side of a very busy road In all weathers, there is a difference. Please don't try and justify what Sean Smith has done, as far as I ,and it seems a lot of other contributors to this article are concerned, he should suffer the same treatment. They all should be banned from keeping animals of any description.Equaliser uk

Seeing as this land is apparently free for anyone to do with what they please, I am selling it off at £500 per square meter. Please contact me on here if you want to buy it. It makes great grazing land for any large animals or you could put a nice shed on it or even build a house on it if you want.

Seeing as this land is apparently free for anyone to do with what they please, I am selling it off at £500 per square meter. Please contact me on here if you want to buy it. It makes great grazing land for any large animals or you could put a nice shed on it or even build a house on it if you want.DanMacc

Nortynorse wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr &quot;Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)

Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.

Rot in hell SMITH

I'd be inclined to think "Mr" Smith is a member of the Smith family who dwell at the permanent "traveller" site alongside the canal at Warndon.....not far from Wainwright Road. If this is the case WHY are they allowed to keep horses in the first place as there are no facilities there for such animals. Also their dogs could do with better care and control.........not the best place to walk ones dog on a nice afternoon,good chance of your pet being attacked by loose dogs!

From the shape of the horse's head you are probably right. The rounded top of the head is classic gypsy/traveller style.

[quote][p][bold]nevermindeh[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nortynorse[/bold] wrote:
At least the council got their act together on this matter at last, as for Mr "Smith" of course he was going to stable the horses the next day (don't make me laugh)
Just another case of lying, thieving scum who care not a toss about the welfare of animals.
Rot in hell SMITH[/p][/quote]I'd be inclined to think "Mr" Smith is a member of the Smith family who dwell at the permanent "traveller" site alongside the canal at Warndon.....not far from Wainwright Road. If this is the case WHY are they allowed to keep horses in the first place as there are no facilities there for such animals. Also their dogs could do with better care and control.........not the best place to walk ones dog on a nice afternoon,good chance of your pet being attacked by loose dogs![/p][/quote]From the shape of the horse's head you are probably right. The rounded top of the head is classic gypsy/traveller style.danieled

The horses did seem to do a brilliant job in keeping the grass down and I'm sure their manure will help wildlife longer term.

Perhaps the County and their new contractor should be considering the use of tethered grazing animals as a new and lower cost way of maintaining our verges.

Either that or Shane Smith could get a formal contract for doing it for them!

It looks as though the animals have turrned the grass into a mudbath. The only grass left looks as though the animal can't reach it.

[quote][p][bold]3thinker[/bold] wrote:
About time.
However.
The horses did seem to do a brilliant job in keeping the grass down and I'm sure their manure will help wildlife longer term.
Perhaps the County and their new contractor should be considering the use of tethered grazing animals as a new and lower cost way of maintaining our verges.
Either that or Shane Smith could get a formal contract for doing it for them![/p][/quote]It looks as though the animals have turrned the grass into a mudbath. The only grass left looks as though the animal can't reach it.danieled

ABsolute OUTRAGE, the council wasting ratepayer's money on removing horses. Those horses shouldn't be there in the first place, causing an eyesore, devaluing my property, causing distractions to the traffic, causing cues- HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET TO TESCO!!!!!

ABsolute OUTRAGE, the council wasting ratepayer's money on removing horses. Those horses shouldn't be there in the first place, causing an eyesore, devaluing my property, causing distractions to the traffic, causing cues- HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET TO TESCO!!!!!DaleWilson966

DaleWilson966 wrote:
ABsolute OUTRAGE, the council wasting ratepayer's money on removing horses. Those horses shouldn't be there in the first place, causing an eyesore, devaluing my property, causing distractions to the traffic, causing cues- HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET TO TESCO!!!!!

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, so this attempt at humour on a serious issue is wasted.

[quote][p][bold]DaleWilson966[/bold] wrote:
ABsolute OUTRAGE, the council wasting ratepayer's money on removing horses. Those horses shouldn't be there in the first place, causing an eyesore, devaluing my property, causing distractions to the traffic, causing cues- HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET TO TESCO!!!!![/p][/quote]Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, so this attempt at humour on a serious issue is wasted.The Villan

PaulMeUnder wrote:
Has anyone bothered to ask the horses what they think about this? Come on WEN, surely an interview can be arranged so we can here the views of the true victims of this whole sorry affair!

This comment may be trying to be ironic but it's rather moronic!

[quote][p][bold]PaulMeUnder[/bold] wrote:
Has anyone bothered to ask the horses what they think about this? Come on WEN, surely an interview can be arranged so we can here the views of the true victims of this whole sorry affair![/p][/quote]This comment may be trying to be ironic but it's rather moronic!The Villan

horses kept chained on the side of the road without shelter in the worst of weather and fetlock deep in mud...breeding from a two year old mare (still a baby herself) and at a time when horses are being dumped in vast numbers because there are too many being bred by irresponsible people like Mr Smith; why have animals that you can't look after properly AND be actively breeding more.It is the horses who suffer the consequences.All horse welfare charities are overwhelmed by the numbers they are trying to help - and a lot of the dumped animals are the coloured cobs so beloved by the traveller community to breed.Why breed more when you havent got the land to keep them on??

horses kept chained on the side of the road without shelter in the worst of weather and fetlock deep in mud...breeding from a two year old mare (still a baby herself) and at a time when horses are being dumped in vast numbers because there are too many being bred by irresponsible people like Mr Smith; why have animals that you can't look after properly AND be actively breeding more.It is the horses who suffer the consequences.All horse welfare charities are overwhelmed by the numbers they are trying to help - and a lot of the dumped animals are the coloured cobs so beloved by the traveller community to breed.Why breed more when you havent got the land to keep them on??squiblet

Doesitmakesense?? wrote:
My concern is what will happen to the horses now? I hope they won't be sold especially as one of them is in foal. They may end up at auction and be sold for meat.

Really hope these poor creatures will be able to go to the sanctuary in Bromsgrove that has offered to take them in. The only feed these horses had were from kind members of the public . WHY? do these people keep horses when they all run around in vans, cars and 4x4 vehicles ? The horses were tethered so tightly they could not have grazed even if there was anything left for them to graze on - so thick in mud, cold and totally unloved. Let them go to Bromsgrove.

[quote][p][bold]Doesitmakesense??[/bold] wrote:
My concern is what will happen to the horses now? I hope they won't be sold especially as one of them is in foal. They may end up at auction and be sold for meat.[/p][/quote]Really hope these poor creatures will be able to go to the sanctuary in Bromsgrove that has offered to take them in. The only feed these horses had were from kind members of the public . WHY? do these people keep horses when they all run around in vans, cars and 4x4 vehicles ? The horses were tethered so tightly they could not have grazed even if there was anything left for them to graze on - so thick in mud, cold and totally unloved. Let them go to Bromsgrove.xxxooo

The horses did seem to do a brilliant job in keeping the grass down and I'm sure their manure will help wildlife longer term.

Perhaps the County and their new contractor should be considering the use of tethered grazing animals as a new and lower cost way of maintaining our verges.

Either that or Shane Smith could get a formal contract for doing it for them!

No he just saw this as free grazing..

[quote][p][bold]3thinker[/bold] wrote:
About time.
However.
The horses did seem to do a brilliant job in keeping the grass down and I'm sure their manure will help wildlife longer term.
Perhaps the County and their new contractor should be considering the use of tethered grazing animals as a new and lower cost way of maintaining our verges.
Either that or Shane Smith could get a formal contract for doing it for them![/p][/quote]No he just saw this as free grazing..copierman